A SOFTWARE and website development company has taken on two more students as part of their sandwich year at the University of Gloucestershire.

Helen Harvey, who is studying for a BSc in Multimedia, and Chris Lewis, studying for a BSc in Computing, are dipping their toes into the world of nine-to-five employment at Microanalysis in Hillary Close, High Wycombe.

The company built on its success of last year when it employed one student by doubling its intake this year.

"I think it's really important for students to gain experience of working practices and solve real-life business problems," said managing director Francois Haussauer.

"Of course it benefits us too. Chris and Helen have only been here a week and have already made their mark. Helen has designed a CD cover and packaging for one completed software application and Chris has been indispensable in running tests on software in development and completing programming routines."

Chris is enthusiastic as well. "I get to use technology that is more advanced than I've worked with before and can work on real projects that have real impact," he said.

"Plus I get a salary which means I don't have to go further in debt."